King of the Hill
As we ease into the first weeks of the 47th Presidency, I thought looking at the people who influenced the initial author of the Declaration of Independence would be helpful. To clarify, we will shortly learn what constitutional law is and what is politically motivated. In other words, some companies have quietly either skirted the law or outright purchased the right to create new laws that benefit them. Either way, we have an opportunity to recognize how special interests and politicians co-create the laws of this land.
Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, was a man of the Enlightenment. In his parlor at Monticello, he prominently displayed portraits of John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Francis Bacon. These three intellectual giants were more than just icons of their era—they represented the core ideals that Jefferson held dear: reason, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of human progress. By examining each figure's contribution to Enlightenment thought and Jefferson's admiration for their work, we can better understand why he chose to honor them so prominently.
Firstly, John Locke, the renowned English philosopher, profoundly influenced Jefferson's political philosophy. Locke's writings on natural rights and the social contract theory (state authority over the individual) were foundational to Jefferson's vision for America.
We the People!
Locke argued that individuals are born with inherent rights—life, liberty, and property—and that governments derive their authority from the approval of the governed. As a result, this philosophy is in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that all men have unalienable rights and that governments must secure these rights.
Therefore, by displaying Locke's portrait, Jefferson acknowledged the philosopher's pivotal role in shaping the intellectual framework of the American Revolution.
Energy in Motion
Meanwhile, Locke lived during a time when secret societies and intellectual clubs flourished across Europe. Groups like the Freemasons and Rosicrucians gained prominence during the 17th century, attracting thinkers interested in the intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality. As a student and later a lecturer at Oxford, Locke gained knowledge by the scientific revolution ushered in by figures like Isaac Newton and Francis Bacon.
He also maintained connections with the Royal Society. Interesting point: the core principles of the Society's mission come from Francis Bacon's writings thirty-six years earlier.
Secondly, Isaac Newton earned his place in Jefferson's parlor as the emblem of scientific innovation and rational thought. Newton's groundbreaking work in physics and mathematics not only revolutionized the scientific world but also embodied the Enlightenment's faith in reason.
Further, his laws of motion and universal gravitation provided a model of the natural world that relied on observation, experimentation, and logical deduction. Consequently, Newton represented the triumph of human intellect and the potential for humanity to uncover the mysteries of the universe.
I love Bacon
As the author of Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687), Newton laid the foundation for classical mechanics and transformed scientific thought. However, his life was not solely dedicated to empirical science. Newton was deeply interested in alchemy, theology, and the occult, leading to speculation about his potential involvement in secret societies, such as the Freemasons or Rosicrucians.
In addition, Newton's extensive manuscripts on alchemy, which were not widely known until the 20th century, reveal his fascination with the transformation of matter, the search for the philosopher's stone (read my blog for details), and the unity of spiritual and physical principles. These pursuits align with the esoteric knowledge often attributed to secret societies, making Newton's interests in secret societies fertile for speculation.
Finally, Francis Bacon's picture hangs next to Locke and Newton. His contributions to scientific methodology resonated deeply with Jefferson's worldview. Known as the father of empiricism (knowledge is derived from sense experience), Bacon emphasized the importance of inductive reasoning and systematic experimentation in acquiring knowledge. Most importantly, his vision of a "scientific utopia" where inquiry and discovery would advance human welfare aligned with Jefferson's belief in progress through education and innovation.
I swear to tell the truth
Meanwhile, Bacon's influence extended beyond science to Jefferson's approach to governance, where empirical evidence and rational thought were vital in crafting policies. Displaying Bacon's image was a testament to Jefferson's belief in the power of knowledge and the transformative potential of metaphysical beliefs.
Above all, the picture of Francis Bacon may be a sign that Jefferson was connected to secret societies like his other heroes. I wrote about Bacon in my blog, The Good Book, a few months ago. In short, Bacon was a Freemason, the contributing author of the King James Bible, and an incarnation of one of the Twelve Elohim (original Gods), Master R. So, there's that.
In addition to his involvement with the King James Bible and Master R., another fascinating claim suggests that Francis Bacon was an earlier incarnation of the mysterious St. Germain. St. Germain, a legendary figure in occult and mystical traditions, is said to have lived for centuries, displaying profound wisdom, alchemical knowledge, and an ability to transcend ordinary human limitations. Known as the "Wonderman of Europe," St. Germain appeared in the courts of 18th-century Europe and was associated with secret knowledge, immortality, and spiritual transformation.
What is Truth?
The idea that Bacon and St. Germain are connected originates in theosophical teachings and metaphysical traditions, particularly those of the 19th and 20th centuries. As a result, these teachings claim that Bacon, through his mastery of science and philosophy, attained spiritual Enlightenment and continued his work under the guise of St. Germain. In addition, Supporters often highlight Bacon's connection to the Rosicrucians and his belief in advancing human knowledge as evidence of his alignment with St. Germain's esoteric mission.
Meanwhile, the choice to display these portraits in his parlor was intentional. The parlor at Monticello was a gathering place for conversation and intellectual exchange, where guests could discuss politics, philosophy, and science. By showcasing Locke, Newton, and Bacon, Jefferson visually represented to knowledgeable visitors that he was open to metaphysical conversations that might otherwise be off-limits to specific groups.
Wait, there's more
Similarly, Freemasonry, an ancient fraternal organization rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasized moral development, the pursuit of knowledge, and the belief in a Higher Being. Many notable figures of the American Revolution, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were Freemasons.
Consequently, this connection has led to whether Jefferson, as a fellow intellectual and revolutionary, was also a member of this influential group. I believe that this deliberate curation reflected Jefferson's aspiration to open the conversation of an enlightened society that valued senses, knowledge, and advancement.
You're not alone
In conclusion, the portraits of Locke, Newton, and Bacon in Thomas Jefferson's parlor at Monticello symbolized his deep respect for the Enlightenment and its ideals. Each figure represented a facet of Jefferson's unique insights and thirst for insights beyond the 3D. Conseuquently, these portraits were not mere decorations; they were a declaration of the values that shaped the foundation of the United States and the mind of one of its most influential Founding Fathers.
So, when you desire greater information, don't hesitate to move from your thinking brain to your imagination. Remember that you are in distinguished company with the men and women who came before you.
